Instagram + Facebook — When Mike and I started Instagram nearly two years ago, we set out to change and improve the way the world communicates and shares. We've had an amazing time watching Instagram grow into a vibrant community of people from all around the globe.

Here is why Facebook bought Instagram — You might have heard by now that Facebook has acquired Instagram for nearly a billion dollars in cash and stock. Incredible, isn't it? I have received text messages of awe and shock from many people in the Valley, for no one saw this coming.

Did Facebook panic? — Why Facebook is buying Instagram. — Last week, mobile photo-sharing site Instagram raised $50 million from venture capitalists at a $500 million valuation. Today, the company agreed to be acquired for $1 billion by Facebook. — So what happened in the intervening days?

Microsoft gives away ‘free time’ to promote Windows Phone — Nokia Lumia 900, a Windows Phone — and a creator of time? — (Credit: Josh Miller/CNET) — Microsoft wants consumers to really get its pitch that Windows Phones are more efficient than rival smartphones and can thus create more free time for consumers.

A Faster Emulator with Better Hardware Support — [This post is by Xavier Ducrohet and Reto Meier of the Android engineering team. — Tim Bray.] — The Android emulator is a key tool for Android developers in building and testing their apps. As the power and diversity of Android devices …

Dataminr builds a Twitter-powered early warning system — Dataminr, a New York-based start-up that has been quietly building a global sensor network powered by Twitter, is introducing its technology to the public Monday, showing how its real-time engine can act as an early warning system for enterprise and government customers.

Google Plots Web Domain-Buying Spree — Search Giant Among Brands That Say They Plan to Apply for Generic Top-Level Domains — This week marks a major step toward a dramatically expanded internet, but only a few brands — including Google and Deloitte — say they'll take advantage of it.

T-Mobile, Leap swap spectrum — T-Mobile USA and Leap wireless said today they plan on exchanging spectrum in several markets in the U.S. to better improve the potential coverage. — The spectrum swap also includes T-Mobile, Cool Inlet/VS GSM VII PCS, a joint venture in which T-Mobile …